established smaller sized divisions grown from a couple of our stock plants. We have come across all sorts of wild information regarding care for this species and are going to share the same method of cultivation we learned from the original grower in Kuching who mastered darthvaderiana and showed us when we visited his nursery some years ago.
Darthvaderiana is definitely a warmer growing species from Lubok Antu that occurs near splash zones of streams and waterfalls and like it more wet than most begonia species - yes you read that correctly, this species likes to be kept in very high humidity. The false information of not wanting water on its leaves otherwise it melts is not entirely true as we grow our plants in complete sealed bins (just as our friend does) with daily misting of rain or ro water. Substrate for mature plants should consist of a 50/50 mix of treefern fiber or similar material and long fiber sphagnum moss. Fertilizing is best done using slow release fertilizer pellets similar for orchids and in low concentrations. Do not let your begonia dry out otherwise you will see immediate deterioration of leaves that look like powder melt. Lack of airflow is not detrimental for this species but if kept in a terrarium or such with air circulation the moisture levels must be maintained at a higher level. These steps are the keys to your success and hope this information will provide growers more confidence in growing and hopefully preserving this species due to its already extremely limited natural range in Borneo.
